Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless prep: Just chop, sauté, and simmer in one pot.
• Comforting layers of flavor: Paprika, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and garlic enrich the rich beef and potatoes.
• Cheesy reward: A generous layer of melted cheddar on top makes it irresistibly gooey and satisfying.
• Flexible: Adapt peppers, spice level, or broth type to suit your taste or pantry.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
▢ 1 tbsp olive oil
▢ 1 tbsp unsalted butter
▢ 1.8 pounds starchy potatoes (preferably white), diced
▢ 2 Romano or bell peppers, chopped
▢ 1.1 pounds lean ground beef
▢ 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
▢ 2 garlic cloves, minced
▢ 1 tsp sweet paprika
▢ 1 tsp black pepper
▢ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
▢ ½ tsp salt
▢ ½ tsp chili flakes
▢ 2 tbsp double concentrated tomato paste
▢ 2 tbsp chopped parsley, plus more for serving
▢ 2 cups chicken broth
▢ 1½ cups grated cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced potatoes and chopped peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes start to soften, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the pot. Add the ground beef to the other side and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
4. Stir in the onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Sprinkle in the paprika, black pepper, Italian seasoning, salt, and chili flakes. Stir to coat evenly.
6. Mix in the tomato paste and chopped parsley, cooking for another minute to release flavors.
7. Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer until the potatoes are tender and the liquid has slightly reduced, about 15–20 minutes.
8. Remove the lid and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again until the cheese melts, about 2–3 minutes.
9. Garnish with extra chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 4 generous portions.
Timing:

• Prep time: 10–15 minutes
• Cook time: Approximately 25–30 minutes
• Total: Around 35–45 minutes

Variations

• Spice it up: Use diced jalapeño or swap chili flakes for smoked chipotle powder.
• Veggie boost: Add chopped carrots or peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Different protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• Vegetarian swap: Use plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Cheese variety: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Let cool, then transfer to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating:
  • Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe dish until warmed through (1–2 minutes), stirring halfway.
  • Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, until heated through and cheese is melty again.

FAQs

1. Can I use waxy potatoes instead of starchy ones?

Yes you can, but starchy potatoes (like Russet or white) break down nicely and help thicken the sauce; waxy varieties will stay firmer and less creamy.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare through the simmer step, then cool and refrigerate. When ready, reheat, add cheese, and melt before serving.

3. Can I substitute beef broth or water for chicken broth?

Yes. Beef broth adds richer flavor, while water works in a pinch. You may want to adjust seasonings slightly.

4. What can I use instead of tomato paste?

Tomato paste gives concentrated flavor. You can use a couple of tablespoons of tomato sauce, but it may result in a lighter flavor and thinner sauce.

5. Can I omit the chili flakes for a kid-friendly version?

Definitely. Leave them out, or reduce to a pinch if you prefer less heat.

6. Is this suitable for batch cooking?

Yes this recipe scales well. Double the ingredients and use a larger pot or Dutch oven for a meal prep-friendly dish.

7. How do I keep potatoes from sticking?

Make sure to stir occasionally during the simmer stage. Adding a little extra broth helps prevent sticking as well.

8. Can I add vegetables like spinach or kale?

Yes stir in chopped leafy greens during the last few minutes of cooking so they wilt but retain some texture.

9. What kind of cheddar works best?

Sharp cheddar gives bolder flavor. Mild cheddar melts beautifully if you prefer a subtler cheese taste. A mix of both works nicely too.

10. Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

You can use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley in place of the fresh. Add it during the cooking stage so it has time to rehydrate.

Conclusion

This Cheesy One Pot Beef and Potatoes dish is the perfect comfort-food solution when you crave something both easy and deeply satisfying. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor with its creamy potatoes, savory beef, and generous cheese topping it’s a reliable go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Enjoy the warmth and simplicity of one-pot ease paired with the timeless delight of cheesy comfort!

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